Faith Over Iced Coffee

In this episode, I’m opening up about one of the most common questions I get—“What do you do for a living?”—and the deeper conversation that always seems to follow.From working as a nurse to transitioning into the bone marrow transplant and cell therapy space, I’ve built a career I truly love. But with that passion also comes assumptions… especially around motherhood, travel, and the idea of “mom guilt.”Today, I’m sharing my truth—what it really looks like to balance a full-time career and being present for my children, why I refuse to feel guilty for loving what I do, and how I’m raising my kids to understand hard work, purpose, and possibility.This episode is for every woman who has ever felt judged for her choices—whether you work, stay home, or do a little bit of both.Because at the end of the day… you don’t have to choose.You can have both. 🤍

In Part 2 of this deeply honest conversation, Cristina moves from the breaking point into the rebuilding.After opening up about a raw moment in motherhood, she reflects on what it truly means to raise strong-willed children with both love and boundaries. Through faith, practical parenting shifts, and personal growth, Cristina shares how she’s learning to guide—not break—her children while also giving herself grace in the process.This episode is for the parent who feels overwhelmed, stretched thin, and unsure if they’re getting it right… yet continues to show up anyway.Because maybe this season isn’t about perfection—it’s about refinement, for both you and your child 🤍

In this deeply raw and emotional episode of Faith Over Iced Coffee, Cristina opens up about a moment that shook her as a mother—questioning if she was enough for her own child.From navigating strong-willed behavior to battling guilt, comparison, and emotional exhaustion, this episode dives into the realities of parenting that aren’t often talked about.Through faith, reflection, and practical shifts, Cristina shares how she’s learning to guide—not break—her children, while leaning on God in the moments she feels weakest.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, questioned yourself as a parent, or needed a reminder that you’re not alone… this episode is for you.

In this episode of Faith Over Iced Coffee, Cristina explores discernment and how God works through quiet nudges, not loud answers. A reminder that even when it doesn’t make sense, He is always guiding you.

In this midweek episode, Cristina shares a gentle reminder to pause, reset, and refocus. After a busy work trip and time with family, she reflects on the importance of taking small breaks to recharge and coming back with a clearer, more positive mindset.This episode also highlights the power of gratitude—recognizing that even the smallest things we have are blessings someone else may be praying for.Ending with meaningful Bible verses on gratitude, God’s love, and His constant presence, this is your reminder that you are never alone.✨ Take a breath—you deserve it.

There are moments when we feel distant from God—not because we’ve stopped believing, but because life, distractions, and quiet spiritual battles pull us away. In this deeply honest episode, Cristina opens her heart and shares her recent struggle with staying rooted in faith, even when she longs to be closer to Him.Through powerful scripture from Isaiah 49 and Psalm 145, she reflects on the unwavering truth that even when we drift, God never does. This episode is a reminder that His love is constant, His presence is near, and returning to Him doesn’t require perfection—just surrender.If you’ve been feeling disconnected, distracted, or spiritually tired… this episode is for you.

In this episode of Faith Over Iced Coffee, Cristina reflects on the powerful influence of the people we surround ourselves with. From a childhood lesson about “guilty by association” to biblical wisdom on choosing wise companions, this conversation explores how our circle can shape our character, faith, and direction in life. A gentle reminder that the right people don’t just walk beside us—they help us grow.

In this episode of Faith Over Iced Coffee, Cristina opens up about the tension many working parents feel between career, family, and personal identity.After receiving a comment questioning how she balances work and motherhood, Cristina reflects on anxiety, work ethic, and the example we set for our children. Through faith and Scripture, she explores why loving your work does not mean loving your family any less.A heartfelt conversation about purpose, sacrifice, and trusting that the life you are building is shaping the next generation.

Gaslighting. Future faking. Love bombing. Situationships.Modern dating has created an entire dictionary of emotional manipulation — but are we more aware, or just more confused?In this episode of Faith Over Iced Coffee, Cristina breaks down:• The difference between gaslighting and future faking• How emotional manipulation shows up in relationships• Why confusion has become normalized in modern dating culture• What the Bible says about clarity, peace, and love in actionWith insight from 1 Corinthians 14:33 (“God is not a God of confusion but of peace”) and 1 John 3:18 (“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth”), this episode challenges the culture of mixed signals and inconsistent behavior.If you’ve ever questioned your reality, felt strung along by promises of a future, or struggled to reconcile someone’s words with their actions — this conversation will bring clarity.

Is there something you’ve been called to do… but fear keeps stopping you?In this episode, Cristina shares what finally pushed her to press record after years of hesitation — and why your biggest obstacle may not be other people, but yourself.This is a conversation about courage, calling, community, and trusting Christ more than public opinion.Maybe the dream isn’t ego. Maybe it’s obedience.

In this episode of Faith Over Iced Coffee, we’re reflecting on Lent in the age of instant everything — a season of fasting, prayer, and spiritual discipline in a culture built on convenience and instant gratification.What does the 40 days of Lent look like in modern life? How do we slow down, practice intentional living, and grow in faith when everything around us moves so fast?If you’re looking for a thoughtful Lent reflection and encouragement for everyday life, this episode is for you. ☕

Some seasons aren’t dramatic. They’re just exhausting.In this episode of Faith Over Iced Coffee, I’m sharing what it looks like to feel mentally wiped before 8am, transition from motherhood to leadership and back again, and wrestle with the guilt of not having the energy to do “all the things” — including opening my Bible.This isn’t a preachy episode.It’s not a productivity reset.It’s not five steps to fix burnout.It’s an honest conversation about being depleted… and choosing to show up anyway.If you love your life but still feel stretched…If you’re grateful but tired…If you’re trying to give your best at work and at home and wondering why you feel empty…This one is for you.Showing up imperfectly still counts.

Some of us don’t hold back when we love.We pour deeply. We show up consistently. We become the steady one, the encourager, the strong one people lean on. We give without keeping score — not because we’re trying to prove something, but because it’s simply who we are.But what happens when the giver quietly feels unseen?In this episode of Faith Over Iced Coffee, I’m talking about operating in extremes — being all in or completely depleted. I’m sharing what it feels like to pour passion, energy, encouragement, and love into others… and then realize you’re running on empty.This isn’t about resentment.It’s not about keeping tally.It’s not about needing applause.It’s about acknowledging that even the people who carry light for others still need light too.If you’re someone who:• Shows up without hesitation• Rarely asks for anything in return• Is often the “strong one” in the room• But sometimes feels emotionally drained or unseenThis conversation is for you.Because giving is beautiful.But even givers need safe places to receive.

In this episode of Faith Over Iced Coffee, we talk about staying true to who you are in a world that constantly pressures you to change. From navigating comparison and competition to protecting your character, work ethic, and values, this conversation explores how releasing the need to compete and trusting God with your path leads to real peace.If you’ve ever felt pressure to keep up, fit in, or compromise who you are, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Faith Over Iced Coffee, Cristina shares a heartfelt reflection on being a working parent while walking faithfully with Christ. From mom guilt to grace, seasons of balance, and finding God in the everyday, this episode is for any parent trying to hold career, family, and faith together — sincerely, even when it’s not perfect.

In the very first episode of Faith Over Iced Coffee, host Cristina Michele shares the heart behind the podcast and why faith must come first — even in the busiest, fullest seasons of life.As a full-time working mom, Cristina reflects on the tension between career, motherhood, ambition, and faith, and why following Christ isn’t something reserved for quiet moments or slower seasons. Faith isn’t added to life once everything is in order — it’s what anchors us while we’re living it.This episode is an honest conversation about prioritizing faith over productivity, trusting God in real life, and choosing purpose over perfection.If you’re navigating work, family, responsibility, and faith all at once — this space is for you.